A tax services professional with nearly three decades of experience, Troy Biddix serves as a partner at Deloitte Tax in Detroit. Outside of his professional activities, Troy Biddix dedicates his time and resources to a number of local organizations, including Gleaners Community Food Bank (GCFB) of Southeastern Michigan.

GCFB has worked to reduce food insecurity across five Michigan counties since 1977. As part of these efforts, the organization distributes food to soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters while overseeing a variety of outreach programs, including Cooking Matters.

Launched by Share Our Strength, Cooking Matters is a nutrition education program that teaches individuals and families at risk of hunger how to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals at home. Under the guidance of trained instructors, Cooking Matters participants take part in a six-week course focused on nutrition, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and food budgeting.

At each weekly session, participants receive groceries so that they can practice their cooking skills and prepare healthy meals for their families. Cooking Matters is open to people of all ages and organized into six specific curricula programs directed toward adults, parents, kids, teens, families, and childcare providers. For more information about Cooking Matters or other GCFB offerings, visit www.gcfb.org.

Troy Biddix, a partner with Deloitte Tax in Detroit, Michigan, enjoys spending much of his free time outdoors. An experienced hunter, Troy Biddix likes to pursue big game, particularly deer.

When hunting big game, one of the most important factors to consider is the behavior of the target animal. Understanding the species’ habits, such as where they eat, sleep, and travel and what types of other animals they like and fear, can help the hunter track the quarry down.

Deer, for example, feel most comfortable around other prey animals. Many hunters take advantage of this preference by using a turkey call to tell the deer that other vulnerable creatures are comfortable in that place.

Deer hunters also know to target high ground near heavy cover. Deer tend to bed down in these areas, particularly in the middle of the day. To avoid being seen or heard, the hunter attempts to approach from a downwind area and move very slowly.

Hunters may be able to track a deer heading for a bedding spot by circling away from the path and then moving alongside it. The hunter must continue to move with caution and look out for motion. Fleeing deer are afraid and have noticed something amiss, whether that is the hunter or another party.

A hunter may in some cases be able to take advantage of fleeing deer. Startled animals often head for high ground, and the hunter may be able to follow them if he or she can remain unseen. Similarly, a hunter who goes out after a weather event may have the chance to catch deer in an area with plentiful food, where they are less likely to be on their guard.